PITTSBURGH (KDKA) — Thousands of people showed up to see actor Gary Sinise and his Lt. Dan Band at Stage AE Friday night.

It was a benefit concert for Sgt. Doug Vitale who was severely injured in Afghanistan when he stepped on an IED.

The Gary Sinise Foundation and the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation are raising money to build Sgt. Vitale and his wife Alexis a “smart house” equipped with devices to help them live as independently as possible.

“Doug and I have a lot of struggles with getting around, and I’m excited to have an area we can call home,” said Alexis.

Sinise says he wants veterans who are injured to know that America stands behind them.

Alexis says she is very grateful and overwhelmed by the public’s support.

The amount of money raised was still being tallied Friday night.

It’s expected that crews will break ground on the Vitale’s home sometime in the next couple of months.

David got his start at KDKA as a writer in 1991 before being promoted to a newscast producer.
VITALS
Joined KDKA: 1991
Hometown: Ford City
Alma Mater: Ford City High School, Syracuse University
FAVORITES
Music: My...